Sycamore fig Ficus sycomorus
Sycamore fig (Ficus sycomorus) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Moraceae family, native to Tropical Africa; cultivated in Egypt since antiquity. It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 12–25 m (39–82 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
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Sycamore fig at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Moraceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 12–25 m (39–82 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 46 °C (115 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: figs |
| Native to | Tropical Africa; cultivated in Egypt since antiquity |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia |
Is Sycamore fig toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: sap
Milky sap can irritate skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Sycamore fig
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Sycamore fig
- How far apart should I plant Sycamore fig?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 12–25 m (39–82 ft).
- Does Sycamore fig need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Sycamore fig need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Sycamore fig?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- Is Sycamore fig poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Milky sap can irritate skin.
- What grows well with Sycamore fig?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sycamore fig. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of Israel Online, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Notes and assumptions
- Figs grow in clusters on the trunk. Outside Africa its pollinating wasp is absent, so ancient growers gashed the young fruit to ripen it.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common fig Ficus carica
- White mulberry Morus alba
- Rubber fig Ficus elastica
- Chinese banyan Ficus microcarpa
- Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus
- Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree) Ficus religiosa
- Indian banyan Ficus benghalensis
- Moreton Bay fig Ficus macrophylla